Game controller

Abstract

It provides a new directional pad structure. [Solution] The controller is provided with a housing and a cross key having a key top that receives an input operation and at least a part of which is exposed through an opening provided in the housing, and a cross-shaped plate member provided so as to be covered by the key top. Inside the housing, there is an optical sensor that detects the movement of the cross-shaped plate member in response to an input operation, a cushion part that suppresses the movement of the cross-shaped plate member in response to the input operation, and a stopper part that stops the movement of the cross-shaped plate member in response to the input operation. Furthermore, inside the housing, the cushion part and the stopper part are arranged in the order of cushion part and stopper part, from the center of the cross-shaped plate member toward the optical sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the structure of the cross keys of a game controller.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cross key with a rubber switch structure has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the structure of the cross key as described above, there is room to provide a new structure of the cross key.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of the above points, for example, the following configuration examples are disclosed.

[0006] (Configuration 1) Configuration 1 includes a housing, a key top that receives an input operation and at least a part of which is exposed from an opening provided in the housing, and a cross key having a cross-shaped plate member provided so as to be covered by the key top, a light sensor provided in the housing for detecting the movement of the cross-shaped plate member by an input operation, a cushion portion provided in the housing for suppressing the movement of the cross-shaped plate member according to an input operation, and a stopper portion provided in the housing for stopping the movement of the cross-shaped plate member according to an input operation. In the housing, the cushion portion and the stopper portion are arranged in this order from the center of the cross-shaped plate member toward the light sensor. It is a game controller.

[0007] The above configuration allows for a new directional pad structure.

[0008] (Configuration 2) Configuration 2 is the same as Configuration 1, wherein the cross-shaped plate member has a detection portion at the tip side in a predetermined direction of the cross-shaped plate member, closer to the optical sensor than the stopper portion, and the optical sensor is positioned outside the detection portion and may detect the detection portion in response to an input operation.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the optical sensor can be miniaturized.

[0010] (Composition 3) Configuration 3 may further include a base portion on which a directional pad shaft, a cushion portion, a stopper portion, and an optical sensor are provided, in addition to the configuration 1 or 2 described above.

[0011] (Composition 4) Configuration 4, in configuration 3 above, may have a cross-shaped shaft member provided inside the housing, a first fixing portion that fixes both ends of the shaft relating to the first direction in the cross shape of the shaft member to the base portion, and a second fixing portion that fixes both ends of the shaft relating to the second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the cross-shaped plate member.

[0012] (Composition 5) In configuration 5, in configuration 1 or 2 described above, the height of the cushion portion may be higher than the height of the stopper portion in the direction axis perpendicular to the cross direction of the cross-shaped plate member.

[0013] (Composition 6) Configuration 6 is the configuration in which, in configuration 1 or 2, the optical sensor is a photosensor, and the detection distance of the photosensor may be smaller than the width of the end of the cross-shaped plate member in a predetermined direction.

[0014] The above configuration allows for miniaturization of the optical sensor. Furthermore, this miniaturization helps to suppress false detections. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a new structure for a cross key can be provided.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing an overall view of the controller 1 according to this embodiment [Figure 2] Diagram showing an operation example of the controller 1 [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing an internal structure of the cross key portion 11 [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing an internal structure of the cross key portion 11 [Figure 5] Diagram for explaining the relationship between the detected portion and the photosensor [Figure 6] Diagram for explaining the relationship between the detected portion and the photosensor [Figure 7] Diagram for explaining a modification example of this embodiment [Figure 8] Diagram for explaining a modification example of this embodiment [Figure 9] Diagram for explaining a modification example of this embodiment

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. This embodiment relates to the structure of a game controller (hereinafter simply referred to as a controller), and more specifically, to the structure of a cross key.

[0018] [Regarding the Appearance] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the controller 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 shows an example of operation of the controller 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the controller 1 comprises a housing 10, a directional pad 11, a first button 12, and a second button 13. The directional pad 11, the first button 12, and the second button 13 are each exposed through openings provided in the housing 10. In this embodiment, the controller 1 is installed so as to be fixed on a predetermined mounting stand. The controller 1 is also large enough that it cannot be operated with fingertips. When operating, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the player can perform directional operation by pressing each direction on the directional pad 11 with the palm of their right or left hand. Although Figure 2 shows a game using the controller 1 with one player, it may be played by two or more players. For example, we envision a scenario where the first player operates the directional pad 11, and, although not shown in Figure 2, the second player operates the first button 12 with their left hand and the second button 13 with their right hand.

[0019] [About the structure of the directional pad] Next, the internal structure of the directional pad section 11 will be described. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams illustrating the internal structure of the directional pad section 11. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing the directional pad section 11 from a plan view and perspective, and a lower side view showing the directional pad section 11 as viewed from the lower side. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the directional pad section 11 from a plan view and perspective, similar to Figure 3, and a right side view assuming the directional pad section 11 is viewed from the right side. In the following explanation, the positive Y-axis direction in Figures 3 and 4 will be referred to as the "upward direction" of the directional pad section 11, the negative Y-axis direction as the "downward direction" of the directional pad section 11, the positive X-axis direction as the "rightward direction" of the directional pad section 11, and the negative X-axis direction as the "leftward direction" of the directional pad section 11. Furthermore, the positive Z-axis direction will be described as the "forward direction" of the directional pad section 11, and the negative Z-axis direction will be described as the "depth direction" of the directional pad section 11.

[0020] In Figures 3 and 4, the directional pad section 11 has a directional pad top 101 on the outermost side facing forward, a first member 102 extending from there in the depth direction, and a cross-shaped top plate section 103 further extending from there in the depth direction.

[0021] The cross-shaped key top 101 is larger than the cross-shaped top plate 103 and is a component that has a cross shape. The material of the cross-shaped key top 101 is, for example, a resin material. The first component 102 is a component that serves as a base for attaching the cross-shaped key top 101. When viewed from above, the external shape and size of the first component 102 are approximately the same as those of the cross-shaped key top 101. In other words, the first component 102 has a cross shape, just like the cross-shaped key top 101. The first component 102 is also positioned so as to cover the cross-shaped top plate 103. The cross-shaped top plate 103 is, for example, a metal plate component and has the same external shape as the cross-shaped key top 101 and the first component 102. That is, it has a cross shape. The size of the cross-shaped top plate 103 is, for example, similar in shape.

[0022] Furthermore, the cross-shaped key section 11 is provided with a cross-shaped cross axis section 104, cushion sections 107A to 107D, stopper sections 108A to 108D, detection sections 109A to 109D, and photosensors 110A to 110D, located on the depth side of the cross-shaped top plate section 103. In addition, a second member 111 is provided further on the depth side. The cushion sections 107A to 107D, stopper sections 108A to 108D, and photosensors 110A to 110D are each provided on the second member 111. Therefore, the second member 111 also serves as a base for these components. On the other hand, the detection sections 109A to 109D are provided on the cross-shaped top plate section 103. The size of the second member 111 should be such that the above components can be installed on it. Furthermore, the shape of the second member 111 may be, for example, a cross shape, like the cross key top 101, or it may be a square or a rectangle.

[0023] [Regarding the central part of the directional pad] Next, the configuration of the central part of the directional pad section 11, which forms the central axis, will be explained. The directional pad section 104 is positioned such that its center is the center of the directional pad section 11. The directional pad section 104 is, for example, a metal component and, as shown in Figure 3, is a cross-shaped component. A bearing section (upper) 105A is positioned at the upper end of the directional pad section 104, and a bearing section (lower) 105B is positioned at the lower end of the directional pad section 104. The bearing section (upper) 105A is a component with a roughly U-shape and is fixed to the second member 111 so as to cover the upper end of the directional pad section 104 from the front to the depth direction. Similarly, the bearing section (lower) 105B is fixed to the second member 111 so as to cover the lower end of the directional pad section 104. In other words, both ends of the directional pad section 104 in the Y-axis direction are fixed to the second member 111 by these bearing sections.

[0024] Furthermore, a bearing (right) 105D is positioned at the right end of the cross shaft portion 104, and a bearing (left) 105C is positioned at the left end of the cross shaft portion 104. The bearing (right) 105D is also a member with a roughly U-shaped form, and as shown in Figure 4, it covers the right end of the cross shaft portion 104 from the depth direction to the front direction, with both ends fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. Similarly, the bearing (left) 105C is fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 so as to cover the left end of the cross shaft portion 104. In other words, both ends of the cross shaft portion 104 in the X-axis direction are fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 by these bearing portions. To put it another way, the cross shaft portion 104 is positioned between the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 and the second member 111, with the four bearing portions described above in between.

[0025] Furthermore, rectangular openings 106A to 106D are provided in the second member 111 at positions near the right end, left end, upper end, and lower end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104, respectively. Specifically, when viewed from above, an upper opening 106A is provided at a position that coincides with the upper end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104. A lower opening 106B is provided at a position that coincides with the lower end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104. A left opening 106C is provided at a position that coincides with the left end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104. A right opening 106D is provided at a position that coincides with the right end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104.

[0026] When a predetermined direction of the cross key top 101 is pressed, one end of the cross shaft portion 104 (and consequently the cross-shaped top plate portion 103) tilts toward the second member 111. In this case, if either the vertical direction of the cross key top 101 is pressed, the upper or lower end of the cross shaft portion 104 moves further toward the depth direction than the second member 111, passing through the opening 106 without being obstructed by the second member 111. On the other hand, if either the left or right direction of the cross key top 101 is pressed, the cross shaft portion 104 in either the left or right direction, and the bearing portion (left) 105C or bearing portion (right) 105D, both move toward the depth direction, passing through the opening 106. This is because the upper bearing portion 105A and the lower bearing portion 105B are fixed to the second member 111, while the left bearing portion 105C and the right bearing portion 105D are fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103.

[0027] [Regarding the configuration of each direction on the directional pad] Next, the configuration of the up, down, left, and right directional key portions of the cross-key section 11 will be described. The cushion portions 107A to 107D, stopper portions 108A to 108D, detected portions 109A to 109D, and photosensors 110A to 110D are arranged one by one in each of the up, down, left, and right directions of the cross-key section 11. Looking at their arrangement, first, in the upward direction, they are arranged in the order of cushion portion (upper) 107A, stopper portion (upper) 108A, detected portion (upper) 109A, and photosensor (upper) 110A, along a straight line extending upward from the center of the cross axis section 104 (the center of the cross-key section 11). Looking at the downward direction, they are arranged in the order of cushion portion (lower) 107B, stopper portion (lower) 108B, detected portion (lower) 109B, and photosensor (lower) 110B, along a straight line extending downward from the center of the cross axis section 104. Looking at the leftward direction, the cushion part (left) 107C, stopper part (left) 108C, detected part (left) 109C, and photosensor (left) 110C are arranged in that order along a straight line extending to the left from the center of the cross-shaped axis part 104. Looking at the rightward direction, the cushion part (right) 107D, stopper part (right) 108D, detected part (right) 109D, and photosensor (right) 110D are arranged in that order along a straight line extending to the right from the center of the cross-shaped axis part 104.

[0028] The following explanation will use the configuration of the right-direction directional pad section 11 (right-direction key section) as an example to describe each of these configurations. Note that the configurations for directions other than right are similar, differing only in the up, down, left, and right directions, so a detailed explanation of these will be omitted.

[0029] [Regarding the cushioning] The cushion portion (right) 107D is a component that absorbs and mitigates the impact when the end of the pressed directional key top 101 (cross-shaped top plate portion 103) collides with the stopper portion (right). The cushion portion (right) 107D also has the role of providing a reaction force to return the directional key top 101 to an unpressed state (hereinafter referred to as the neutral state). In other words, the cushion portion (right) 107D is a component that suppresses the movement of the pressed directional key top 101. The cushion portion (right) 107D is an elastic component, for example, a cylindrical urethane material component. As shown in Figure 3, the cushion portion (right) 107D is provided on the second component 111 at a position closer to the center of the directional key portion 11 than the stopper portion (right) 108D. Furthermore, the cushion portion (right) 107D is provided at a height (distance along the Z-axis) such that, in the neutral position described above, its front end contacts the cross-shaped top plate portion 103.

[0030] [About the stopper part] The stopper portion (right) 108D is a component that stops the movement of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 toward the second member 111 when it is pressed (to the right). In other words, it is a component that limits the movement of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 toward the second member 111 beyond a certain distance. The stopper portion (right) 108D is, for example, a rod-shaped metal component. The stopper portion (right) 108D is provided on the second member 111 at a position between the photosensor (right) 110D and the cushion portion (right) 107D. The height of the stopper portion 108D is such that, in the neutral state described above, there is a predetermined distance between the front end of the stopper portion (right) 108D and the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. In other words, when the directional pad section 11 is viewed from the side, the height of the stopper section (right) 108D is set to be lower than the height of the cushion section (right) 107D in the neutral position described above.

[0031] [About the detected part] The detected portion (right) 109D is a plate-shaped member having a thickness sufficient to penetrate the groove of the photosensor (right) 110D, which will be described later. The detected portion (right) 109D is located at the center of the right end of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 and is provided on the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 in a manner that extends toward the second member 111. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the detected portion (right) 109D is provided in a position such that at least a part of it overlaps with the position of the groove of the photosensor (right) 110D.

[0032] [About photosensors] In this embodiment, a non-contact detection mechanism is used, and a photo sensor, a type of optical sensor, is provided. The photo sensor (right) 110D is, for example, a transmissive (photointerrupter) type photo sensor. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the photo sensor (right) 110D has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, with a groove (recess) between them. The width of this groove, that is, the distance between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part (detection distance), is narrower than the width of the right end of the cross-shaped top plate 103. In this embodiment, the photo sensor (right) 110D is provided on the second member 111 via a support column. Its position is near the center of the right end of the cross-shaped top plate 103, and when viewed from above (along the Z-axis in Figure 3), the position of the groove overlaps with a part of the detected part (right) 109D (a position into which a part of the detected part (right) 109D can enter). Furthermore, regarding the height, in the neutral state described above, the photosensor (right) 110D (groove portion) is positioned slightly lower than the detected portion (right) 109D.

[0033] With the above configuration, for example, when the right direction of the directional pad section 11 is pressed, the rightward portion of the cross-shaped top plate section 103 tilts slightly (i.e., a key stroke of the right direction key occurs). For example, from the state shown in Figure 5, the detected part (right) 109D moves slightly toward the second member 111, and as shown in Figure 6, a part of the detected part (right) 109D is positioned within the groove of the photosensor (right) 110D. As a result, it is detected that the light from the light-emitting section has been blocked. Based on this detection result, it can be determined that a rightward input operation has been performed on the directional pad section 11.

[0034] Furthermore, by making the width of the groove portion of the transmissive photosensor 110A to 110D narrower than the width of the ends of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 in each direction, and by using the plate-shaped detection portion 109A to 109D as described above, the size of the photosensor can be reduced. In addition, by using the detection portion 109A to 109D, the structure related to detection can be simplified. Moreover, by miniaturizing the photosensor, false detections can be suppressed. For example, if the detection portion 109A to 109D is not used, it is conceivable to use a photosensor in which the width of the groove portion is wider than the width of the ends of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. In other words, it is conceivable to use a photosensor that detects the entire tip of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103, but false detections can be suppressed compared to using such a photosensor.

[0035] According to this embodiment, a new structure for a directional pad can be provided with the above configuration. Furthermore, even in large controllers such as those shown in Figures 1 and 2, where the operation is performed by pressing with the entire arm rather than the fingertips, good operability can be provided without compromising the feel of operation.

[0036] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, an example using a transmissive photosensor was given, but in other embodiments, for example, a reflective photosensor may be used. Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to a photosensor, but may use a predetermined optical sensor. For example, an infrared light sensor may be used to detect the end of the pressed cross-shaped top plate portion 103. In addition, the configuration is not limited to an optical sensor, but may use a predetermined proximity sensor to detect the end of the pressed cross-shaped top plate portion 103.

[0037] Furthermore, the detected parts 109A to 109D may have a shape such that a part of them protrudes beyond the end of the cross-shaped top plate 103, as shown in Figure 7.

[0038] Furthermore, the installation positions of the detected parts 109A to 109D are not limited to the vicinity of the ends of the cross-shaped plate member 103. In other embodiments, the detected parts 109A to 109D may be installed at a position closer to the center of the cross key top 101 than the stopper parts 108A to 108D. In this case, for example, the shape of the detected parts 109A to 109D may be such that they wrap around the stopper parts 108A to 108D and extend to the photosensors 110A to 110D.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cushioning parts 107A to 107D, the stopper parts 108A to 108D, and the photosensors 110A to 110D were installed on the same single second member 111. In other embodiments, each of these parts may be installed on separate second members.

[0040] Furthermore, the stopper sections 108A to 108D and cushion sections 107A to 107D may be configured to allow for fine height adjustment.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples were given in which the cushion portion, stopper portion, and photosensor are arranged in a straight line in each of the up, down, left, and right directions (Figures 3 and 4). In other embodiments, they do not have to be arranged in a straight line as long as they are located along the straight line connecting the center of the cross key top 101 (cross-shaped top plate portion 103) and each photosensor. For example, as shown in Figure 8, two stopper portions (right) 108D may be provided and arranged in a position not on the straight line described above. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, for example, two cushion portions (right) 107D may be provided and arranged in a position not on the straight line. In any case, the order of arrangement itself may be the same as in the above embodiments.

[0042] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the configuration may be made without either the cushioning parts 107A to 107D or the stopper parts 108A to 108D. In this regard, when the configuration includes the cushioning parts 107A to 107D, when a pressing operation is performed, the cushioning parts 107A to 107D provide an appropriate reaction force, which suppresses to some extent the force with which the cross-shaped top plate 103 is pressed, and an improvement in the feel of operation can be expected. On the other hand, when the configuration does not include the cushioning parts 107A to 107D, the force of the pressing operation is directly reflected in the cross-shaped top plate 103, but this also has the effect of improving the response to operation. For this reason, depending on the content of the game being played, the configuration may be made without the cushioning parts 107A to 107D. Also, depending on the content of the game, the configuration may be made with the cushioning parts 107A to 107D but without the stopper parts 108A to 108D. For example, in games that utilize the depth to which the top 101 of the directional pad is pressed, the configuration may be made without the stopper parts 108A to 108D. In other words, depending on the content of the game being played, if a suitable feel for that game can be obtained, the configuration may be made without either the cushion parts 107A to 107D or the stopper parts 108A to 108D.

[0043] Furthermore, the keytop 101 and the first member 102 may be a single component. Also, the cross-shaped top plate 103 may be a single component integrated with the keytop 101 and the first member 102. Alternatively, the cross-shaped top plate 103 may be a single component integrated with the first member 102.

[0044] Furthermore, regarding the detected portion 109, although the above example shows it being provided on the cross-shaped top plate portion 103, the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 and the detected portion 109 may be integrally molded. In other words, they may be provided as a single unit.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the directional pad section 11 is exemplified as having a configuration in which the entire directional pad top 101 is exposed from the housing 10, as shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the game controller 1 may be configured such that only a part of the directional pad top 101 is exposed from the housing 10, rather than the whole. For example, the game controller 1 may be configured such that only the ends of the directional pad top 101 in each direction are exposed from the housing 10. Even with such a game controller configuration, the above-described configuration is still applicable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1 Game Controller 10 cabinets 11. D-pad section 12. First button 13. Second button 101 D-pad tops 102 First Member 103 Cross-shaped top plate section 104 Cross shaft section 105A Bearing section (top) 105B Bearing part (bottom) 105C Bearing part (left) 105D bearing part (right) 106A opening (top) 106B opening (bottom) 106C opening (left) 106D Opening (right) 107A Cushion section (top) 107B Cushion section (bottom) 107C Cushion section (left) 107D Cushion section (right) 108A Stopper section (top) 108B Stopper section (bottom) 108C Stopper section (left) 108D Stopper part (right) 109A Detected section (top) 109B Detected part (bottom) 109C Detected area (left) 109D Detected area (right) 110A Photosensor (Top) 110B Photosensor (bottom) 110C Photosensor (left) 110D Photosensor (Right) 111 Second Member

Claims

1. The casing and A cross key having a keytop that receives input and is exposed at least partially through an opening provided in the housing, and a cross-shaped plate member provided to cover the keytop, A light sensor is provided inside the housing to detect the movement of the cross-shaped plate member due to the input operation, A cushioning portion provided within the housing is provided to suppress the movement of the cross-shaped plate member in response to the input operation, The housing includes a stopper portion provided within it for stopping the movement of the cross-shaped plate member in response to the input operation, A game controller in which, within the housing, the cushion portion and the stopper portion are arranged in the order of cushion portion and stopper portion, with respect to the light sensor from the center of the cross-shaped plate member.

2. The cross-shaped plate member has a detection portion at the tip end in a predetermined direction of the cross-shaped plate member, at a position closer to the optical sensor than the stopper portion, The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is positioned outside the detected portion and detects the detected portion in response to the input operation.

3. The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a base portion on which the shaft portion of the directional pad, the cushion portion, the stopper portion, and the optical sensor are provided.

4. The shaft portion of the aforementioned directional pad is A cross-shaped shaft member provided inside the housing, The game controller according to claim 3, further comprising: a first fixing portion for fixing both ends of the shaft relating to the first direction in the cross shape of the shaft member to the base portion; and a second fixing portion for fixing both ends of the shaft relating to the second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the cross-shaped plate member.

5. The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the directional axes perpendicular to each direction of the cross-shaped plate member, the height of the cushion portion is greater than the height of the stopper portion.

6. The light sensor is a photosensor, The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection distance of the photosensor is smaller than the width of the end of the cross-shaped plate member in a predetermined direction.

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